Perfect fielder baseball / softball training apparatus and a method of using same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates generally to a fielding training apparatus and a method of using same. More particularly, the invention encompasses a baseball or softball field training device, especially for training a baseball or softball player on how to focus, and catch a line drive or a ground ball. The inventive perfect fielder has an adjustable flexible wrist band, an adjustable flexible strap, and a clip that can be removeably clipped or secured to any visor, baseball cap or hat, or rim, and thus can be easily used by any baseball/softball player. The perfect fielder could also have two clips, such that, one clip could be removeably attached to a player&#39;s cap or visor rim, while the second clip could be removeably attached to a player&#39;s wrist, hand, or glove. The invention also provides a method. of using the inventive baseball or softball field training apparatus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a fielding training apparatus and a method of using same. More particularly, the invention encompasses a baseball or softball field training device, especially for training a. baseball or softball player on how to focus, and catch a line drive or a ground ball. The inventive perfect fielder has an adjustable flexible wrist band, an adjustable flexible strap, and a clip that can be removeably clipped or secured to any visor, baseball cap or hat, or rim, and thus can be easily used by any baseball/softball player. The perfect fielder could also have two clips, such that., one clip could be removeably attached to a player's cap or visor rim, while the second clip could be removeably attached to a player's wrist, hand, or glove. The invention also provides a method of using the inventive baseball or softball field training apparatus.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Sports field training devices have been used in the sports industry to train and prepare athletes for their particular sport. Each of these training devices have a specific focus and may not be available for use in a different sport, as the needs for each sport is different.

There are many techniques and instructions that are given to players on how to catch, for example, a ground ball, or a line drive. For example, for a gound ball the player is usually instructed to lower the whole body, such that, knees are bent, head is down, and the body is closer to the ground, so that the player is in a position to catch the ground, ball. Similarly, for a line drive, the player is told to keep an eve on the ball, and then use hand eye coordination to catch the baseball or softball. For each technique the player has to practice, and train oneself to react appropriately to properly catch the baseball or softball, and to do it all the time.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,208,051 (Robertson), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method and apparatus for instructing baseball players in the proper manner of catching a ground ball. The player wears on his hand a rigid flat plate having the general outline of a baseball fielder's glove. When a ground ball strikes the plate, the fielder must use the proper two-handed ⁻fielding technique of trapping the ball with the throwing hand against the plate.

This invention improves on the deficiencies of the prior art and provides an inventive baseball or softball field training device, and a method of using same.

PURPOSES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is a novel baseball or softball field training device, and a method of using same.

Therefore, one purpose of this invention is to provide a baseball or softball field training device, and a method of using same.

Another purpose of this invention is to provide a baseball or softball field training device, and a method of using same, that can be easily used by a player, especially, during field training.

Yet another purpose of this invention is to provide a baseball or softball field training device, and a method of using same which has several adjustable features, making it an easy device to use by any baseball or softball player during field training.

Therefore, in one aspect this invention comprises a method of using a baseball/softball training device, comprising the steps of:

-   (a) taking a baseball/softball training device, wherein said     baseball/softball training device comprises of at least one strap     having a first end, and a second end, at least one wrist strap     secured to said first end of said at least one strap using at least     one first securing means, at least one clip having a first end, and     a second end, and wherein said first end of said clip is secured to     said second end of said strap using at least one second securing     means, and wherein said second end of said clip has a mouth, having     at least one jaw, and wherein said at least one jaw rotates about at     least one spring, and removeably and engageable securing said mouth     of said clip to a rim of a head gear worn by a user; and -   (b) securing said at least one wrist strap to one of a wrist and     glove of said user.

In another aspect this invention comprises a baseball/softball training device, comprising:

-   (a) at least one strap having a first end, and a second end; -   (b) at least one wrist strap secured to said first end of said at     least one strap using at least one first securing means; and -   (c) at least one clip having a first end, and a second end, and     wherein said first end of said clip is secured to said second end of     said strap using at least one second securing means, and wherein     said second end of said clip has a mouth, having at least one jaw,     and wherein said at least one jaw opens and closes via pressure from     at least one spring means.

In yet another aspect this invention comprises a baseball/softball training device, comprising:

-   (a) at least one strap having a first end, and a second end; -   (b) at least one first clip having a first end, and a second end,     and wherein said first end of said first clip is secured to said     first end of said strap using at least one first securing means, and     wherein said second end of said first clip has a mouth, having at     least one jaw, and wherein said at least one jaw rotates about at     least one first spring; and -   (c) at least one second clip having a first end, and a second end,     and wherein said first end of said second clip is secured to said     second end of said strap using at least one second securing means,     and wherein said second end of said second clip has a mouth, having     at least one jaw, and wherein said at least one jaw rotates about at     least one second spring.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1, illustrates a side perspective view of an inventive baseball/softball field training apparatus, according to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2, illustrates a side perspective view of an inventive baseball/softball field training apparatus, according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3, illustrates a side perspective view of an inventive baseball/softball field training apparatus having a wrist strap, according to a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4, illustrates a side perspective view of an inventive baseball/softball field training apparatus having a wrist strap, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5, illustrates a front perspective view of an inventive baseball/softball field training apparatus as being used by a player in a clipped position.

FIG. 6, illustrates a from perspective view of an inventive baseball/softball field training apparatus as being used by a player as clip snaps away from a visor or rim.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventive baseball or softball field training device, and a method of using same will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 through 6. Although the scope of the present invention is much broader than any particular embodiment, a detailed description of the preferred embodiment follows together with drawings. These drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale. Like numbers represent like features and components in the drawings.

FIG. 1, illustrates a side perspective view of an inventive perfect fielder or baseball/softball field training apparatus 23, according to a first embodiment of the invention. The baseball field training device 23, comprises of at least one adjustable or flexible or stretchable strap or leash 15, having a first end 15A, and a second end 15B, At least one connecting means 20, having a first end 20A, and a second end 20B, wherein the second end 15B, of the strap 15, is securely connected to the first end 20A, of the connecting means 20. For some applications the connecting means 20, could be a plurality of rotating swivel 20, that are interconnected or interconnected rings 20, so as to be able to rotate about an axis during use, and without getting entangled. At least one clip or hat clip 25, having a first end 25A, and a second end 25B, and wherein the first end 25A, of the hat clip 25, is securely connected to the second end 20B, of the connecting means 20. The hat clip 25, at the second end 25B, has a mouth 26, which acts like a jaw for the hat clip 25. The hat clip 25, has a first or upper portion 26A, and a second or lower portion 26B, which are connected each to the other via at least one means 27, such as, for example, at least one spring means 27. The first or upper portion 26A, and/or the second or lower portion 26B, of the hat clip 25, has at least one serration or protrusion or jaw 28, which is used to securely and removeably hold an item between the upper portion 26A, and the lower portion 26B. For some applications the hat clip 25, could be, for example, an alligator type clip 25. The baseball field training device 23, further comprises of at least one adjustable or flexible or stretchable wrist strap or band 10, having a first or outer face or surface 10A, and a second or inner face or surface 10B, and wherein the at least one adjustable or flexible or stretchable wrist strap or band 10, is connected to the at least one adjustable or stretchable strap or leash 15, via at least one connecting means 13. For some applications the connecting means 13, could be, for example, selected from a group comprising, a stitching means 13, a weld means 13, a glue means 13, an adhesive means 13, a ring 13, a swivel 13, a hook and loop means 13, a magnetic means 13, a buckle means, a rubber band strap means, and combinations thereof, to name a few. Similarly, for some applications the connecting means 20, could be, for example, selected from a group comprising, a stitching means 20, a weld means 20, a glue means 20, an adhesive means 20, a ring means 20, a swivel means 20, a hook and loop means 20, a magnetic means 20, a buckle means, a rubber band strap means, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

FIG. 2, illustrates a side perspective view of an inventive baseball/softball field training apparatus 33, according to a second embodiment of the invention. The baseball field training device 33, comprises of at least one adjustable or flexible or stretchable strap or leash 15, having a first end 15A, and a second end 15B. At least one first connecting means 20, having a first end 20A, and a second end 20B, wherein the second end 15B, of the strap 15, is securely connected to the first end 20A, of the first connecting means 20. At least one first clip or hat clip 25, having a first end 25A, and a second end 25B, and wherein the first end 25A, is securely connected to the second end 20B, of the first connecting means 20. The hat clip 25, at the second end 25B, has a mouth 26, which acts like a jaw for the hat clip 25. The hat clip 25, has a first or upper portion 26A, and a second or lower portion 26B, which are connected each to the other via at least one means 27, such as, for example, at least one spring means 27. The first or upper portion 26A, and/or the second or lower portion 26B, of the hat clip 25, has at least one serration or protrusion or, jaw 28, which is used to securely and removeably hold an item between the upper portion 26A, and the lower portion 26B. For some applications the hat clip 25, could be, for example, an alligator type clip 25. At least one second connecting means 40, having a first end 40A, and a second end 40B, and wherein the first end 15A, of the strap 15, is securely connected to the first end 40A, of the second connecting means 40. At least one second clip or hat clip 35, having a first end 35A, and a second end 35B, and wherein the first end 35A, is securely connected to the second end 40B, of the second connecting means 40. The hat clip 35, at the second end 35B, has a mouth 36, which acts like a jaw for the hat clip 35. The hat clip 35, has a first or upper portion 36A, and a second or lower portion 36B, which are connected each to the other via at least one means 37, such as, for example, at least one spring means 37. The first or upper portion 36A, and/or the second or lower portion 36B, of the hat clip 35, has at least one serration or protrusion or jaw 38, which is used to securely and removeably hold an item between the upper portion 36A, and the lower portion 36B. For some applications the hat dip 35, could be, for example, an alligator type clip 35. For some applications the connecting means 20, 40, could be a plurality of rotating swivel 20, 40, which are interconnected or interconnected rings 20, 40, so as to be able to rotate about an axis during use, and without getting entangled. Thus, it should be appreciated that the hat clip 25, could be secured to a visor 46, or a rim 46, while the hat clip 35, could be secured to the wrist band 10, or a baseball or softball glove 43, or hand 52, of the player 50, and vice versa.

FIG. 3, illustrates a side perspective view of an inventive baseball/softball field training apparatus having a wrist strap 10, according to a third embodiment of the invention. The at least one adjustable or flexible or stretchable wrist strap or band 10, has a first or outer surface 10A, and a second or inner surface 10B, and at least one first connecting means 13, which freely rotates or moves about and around the wrist band 10. For some applications the wrist band 10, could be a stretchable wrist band 10, which wrist band 10, could be easily slipped onto and off a player's wrist 58, while the first connecting means 13, could be a ring 13, that can be securely connected or attached to the first end 15A, of the strap 15.

FIG. 4, illustrates a side perspective view of an inventive baseball/softball field training apparatus having a wrist strap 10, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. The at least one adjustable or flexible or stretchable wrist strap or band 10, has a first or outer surface 10A, and a second or inner surface 10B, and at least one removeably securing wrist band means 12. For some applications the wrist band securing means 12, could have a first or outer wrist band securing means 12A, and a second or inner wrist band securing means 12B. For some applications the wrist band 10, could be a stretchable wrist band 10, while the wrist band securing means 12, could be a hook and loop means 12, such that, one of the hook or loop means could be the first or outer wrist band securing means 12A, and a second hook or loop means could be the second or inner wrist band securing means 12B, so as to provide a hook and loop means 12. For some applications one could use magnetic securing means 12, such that one off the north pole or south pole of a first magnet could be the first or outer wrist band securing means 12A, and a second north pole or south pole of a second magnet could be the second or inner wrist band securing means 12B, so as to provide a magnetic removeably securing means 12.

FIG. 5, illustrates a front perspective view of an inventive baseball/softball field training apparatus 23, as being used by a player or a user or a human 50, in a clipped or secured position. The user or player 50, has a head gear 45, such as, a hat 45, a visor 45, a baseball cap 45, having a visor or bill or rim 46, on the player's head 52. The player 50, has a throwing hand 51, and a fielding hand 53. The player 50, wears a baseball or softball glove 43, in the fielding hand 53, and then adjust the shoulder 54, elbow 56, wrist 58, and legs or feet 57 so as to be in a position to receive a baseball or softball 44. Before receiving the baseball or softball 44, the player 50, secures the inventive baseball or softball training device 23, such that, the hat clip 25, is removeably secured to an end of the visor 46, or rim 46, while the wrist band 10, is slid onto the player's wrist 58, or the fielding hand 53. The player 50, then focuses his or her eyes 55, onto the incoming softball or baseball 44.

FIG. 6, illustrates a front perspective view of an inventive baseball/softball field training apparatus 23, as being used by a player 50, as clip 25, 35, snaps away from a visor 46, or rim 46. As one can see in FIG. 6, that once the softball or baseball 44, is caught by the user 50, the hat clip 25, will snap away from the visor 46, or rim 46, which indicates to the player 50, that they were able to focus on the incoming ball 44, before and after it was caught. However, if the player 50, does not focus on the incoming softball or baseball 44, the hat clip 25, would prematurely snap away from the visor 46, or the rim 46, indicating to the player 50, that they had lost focus during the critical phase of catching the ball 44. Similarly, if the inventive baseball/softball field training apparatus 33, is used then either the first clip 25, or the second clip 35, could snap away from either the visor 46, or rim 46, or the wrist band 10, or the glove 43, or hand 53, as one end of the inventive perfect fielder 33, would be near the head 52, of the user 50, while the second end would be near the fielding hand 53, of the human 50, and thus due to the head 52, and the fielding hand 53, movement, one of the ends of the perfect fielder 33, would snap away, indicating either the catching of the ball 44, or not paying attention and moving the head 52, or the fielding hand 53, prematurely, and missing catching the ball 44.

The at least one hat clip 25, 35, is preferably a crocodile clip, or an alligator clip 25, 35, which clip has at least one spring to allow the upper and lower portions legs or jaws to move about the spring to either engage or disengage from an item in its mouth or jaw. Typically, such a clip 25, 35, has at least one jaw 28, 38, or a plurality of serrated jaws 28, 38, which are used for creating an engageable bite or connection. This simple mechanical device gets its name from the resemblance of its jaws to that of an alligator or a crocodile, and this device 25, 35, could be made from a material selected from a group comprising, wood, metal, plastic, composite material, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

As one can appreciate that this training device 23, 33, helps teach baseball/softball players 50, the proper form/body position for fielding position for fielding ground balls 44. The inventive Perfect Fielder 23, 33, is attached to both the fielders' glove arm wrist 58, and to the player's hat/visor 46. The inventive device 23, is attached to the wrist 58, via a strap 10, which is closed, by for example, a snap 12, a magnet 12, a clip 12, a hook and loop means 12, a fastener 12, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

There is an adjustable strap 15, which is attached to the wrist strap 10, such as, for example, using a D-clip 13, or something similar to a D-clip 13. This strap 15, is adjustable for the perfect length from the wrist 58, to the hat clip 25, to make an approximately a 100-degree elbow bend.

At the end of the adjustment strap furthest point from the wrist strap 10, there is a swivel 20. This swivel 20, is attached to the adjustment strap 15, and then to the hat clip 25. This swivel 20, helps provide easy movement while using the inventive device 23, 33. The hat clip 25, is attached to the swivel 20. During use the hat clip 25, can be attached either on the side of the glove hand hat/visor 46, or the bill of the hat/visor 46, It should be attached so the strap 15, is not in the users 50, line of sight.

The user 50, will attach the wrist strap 10, to their glove hand wrist 53. The adjustment strap 15, is then adjusted to the individual user 50, so that their elbow 56, is bent approximately at a 100 degree bend (usually the length is from the users wrist 58, to the user's shoulder 54). Once the right distance is determined the user 50, now uses their throwing hand 51, to attach the hat/visor clip 25, to their hat/visor 46, remembering to keep a clear line of vision. Once the inventive device 23, 33, is correctly attached it will create a perfect fielding position for the user 50.

Once attached the inventive device 23, 33, will give instant feedback to all, such as, for example, players, parents, coaches, observers, etc. If the player 50, lifts their head at any point while fielding a ground ball 44, the clip 25, will detach itself from the players hat/visor 46. This will show to everyone that the player 50, is not using the proper form to field the ball 44, or in baseball terms “staying down on the ball”. If and when the clip 25, is detached the player 50, can easily reattach the clip 25, with their throwing hand 51. The player 50, can then continue to reattach the clip 25, until the user 50, or player 50, has conditioned himself or herself to no longer lift his/her head 52, during fielding, and this creates muscle memory for the user 50, or player 50. Thus, the clamp or clip 25, releases from the cap or visor or hat 45, if the player 50, head 52, does not stay down while fielding a ground ball 44, or catching a ball 44, as this invention 23, 33, forces the player 50, to focus on catching the ball 44, first, before anticipating throwing the ball 44.

The cross-sectional area of the at. least one wrist band securing means 12, could be selected from a group comprising a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a circle, an oval, a polygonal shape, a cylindrical shape, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

The material for the at least one adjustable or flexible or stretchable wrist strap or band 10, could be selected from a group comprising cotton, polyester, nylon, polymeric material, composite material, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

It should be appreciated that the material for the at least one adjustable or stretchable strap or leash 15, could be selected from a group comprising cotton, polyester, nylon, polymeric material, composite material, and combinations thereof, to name a few.

Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and the constituent elements of the invention can be modified in various manners without departing, from the spirit and scope of the invention. Various aspects of the invention can also be extracted from any appropriate combination of a plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. Some constituent elements may be deleted in all of the constituent elements disclosed in the embodiments. The constituent elements described in different embodiments may he combined arbitrarily.

Still further, while certain embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions.

It should be further understood that throughout the specification and claims several terms have been used and they take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the phrase “in one embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Additionally, the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, various embodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

While the present invention has been particularly described in conjunction with a specific preferred embodiment, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will he apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will embrace any such alternatives, modifications and variations as filling within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. 

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 9. A baseball/softball training device, consisting of: (a) at least one strap having a first end, and a second end; (b) at least one wrist strap secured to said first end of said at least one strap using at least one first securing means; and (c) at least one clip having a first end, and a second end, and wherein said first end of said clip is secured to said second end of said strap using at least one second securing means, and wherein said second end of said clip has a mouth, having at least one jaw, and wherein said at least one jaw opens and closes via pressure from at least one spring means.
 10. The baseball/softball training device of claim 9, wherein said at least one strap is made from a material selected from a group consisting of cotton, polyester, nylon, polymeric material, composite material, and combinations thereof.
 11. The baseball/softball training device of claim 9, wherein said at least one wrist strap is made from a material selected from a group consisting of cotton, polyester, nylon, polymeric material, composite material, and combinations thereof.
 12. The baseball/softball training device of claim 9, wherein said at least one clip is made from a material selected from a group consisting of wood, metal, plastic, composite material, and combinations thereof.
 13. The baseball/softball training device of claim 9, wherein said at least one first securing means is selected from a group consisting of a stitching means, a weld means, a glue means, an adhesive means, a ring means, a swivel means, a hook and loop means, a magnetic means, a buckle means, a rubber band strap means, and combinations thereof.
 14. The baseball/softball training device of claim 9, wherein said at least one second securing means is selected from a group consisting of a stitching means, a weld means, a glue means, an adhesive means, a ring means, a swivel means, a hook and loop means, a magnetic means, a buckle means, a rubber band strap means, and combinations thereof.
 15. The baseball/softball training device of claim 9, wherein said at least one wrist strap has an inner surface, and an outer surface, and wherein said inner surface has at least one first wrist securing means, and said outer surface has at least one second wrist securing means, such that said at least one first wrist securing means removeably secure said inner surface to said outer surface via said at least one second wrist securing means.
 16. The baseball/softball training device of claim 9, wherein said at least one wrist strap has an inner surface, and an outer surface, and wherein said inner surface has at least one first wrist securing means, and said outer surface has at least one second wrist securing means, such that said at least one first wrist securing means removeably secure said inner surface to said outer surface via said at least one second wrist securing means, and wherein said at least one first wrist securing means is one of hook means and magnetic north pole, and wherein said at least one second wrist securing means is one of loop means and magnetic south pole.
 17. (canceled) 